Embraer and Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur as the prospective site for a final assembly facility for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India.
“As part of their ongoing preparations, Mahindra and Embraer are working with the Government of Maharashtra and have identified Nagpur for a potential Final Assembly Line for Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft production in India,” the Brazil-headquartered global aerospace company stated.
The joint plan remains contingent on the aircraft being selected by the Indian government and receiving an order under the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
It was announced recently that both companies are continuing preparatory discussions and planning activities to build an industrial and support ecosystem as they jointly pursue the procurement process.
Working in coordination with the Government of Maharashtra, the partners are completing associated processes to ensure industrial infrastructure moves forward quickly if the contract is awarded.
According to Vinod Sahay, member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, the Government of Maharashtra has expeditiously allotted land in Nagpur to support the required facility requirements.
If established, the Nagpur hub will bring technical expertise in aircraft assembly, systems integration, manufacturing engineering, and local supply chain development to the country, Embraer noted.
Embraer Defense and Security president and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior stated that selecting Nagpur represents an important step toward building a robust, long term domestic aerospace footprint in India.
“We value the support of the Government of Maharashtra and look forward to working closely with our partners to strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities, subject to the C-390 Millennium being selected for the Indian Air Force programme,” Da Costa Junior pointed out.
Sahay highlighted that Mahindra is preparing the industrial infrastructure required to support the defense programme at scale.
“Mahindra is committed to building a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India and to creating meaningful manufacturing and technology capabilities that contribute to the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions,” Sahay emphasised.
This industrial strategy builds on a partnership timeline that began with an initial memorandum of understanding signed in February 2024. The two groups signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in October 2025 covering local manufacturing, assembly, supply chain expansion, and maintenance operations in India.
In February 2026, the partners expanded their plans to include establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India, “subject to the aircraft’s selection under the MTA programme.”
Upon contract award, the partnership intends to integrate Indian aerospace firms into the C-390 Millennium ecosystem to deliver production, training, aftermarket services, and lifecycle support under the “Make in India” initiatives and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport platform built to carry up to 26 tonnes of payload. Designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways, the platform handles troop transport, cargo delivery, airdrop tasks, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions.
The proposed project combines Embraer’s aerospace engineering and aircraft manufacturing experience with Mahindra’s industrial presence and manufacturing capabilities across India.
Both groups confirmed they will continue engaging with the Indian government, state authorities in Maharashtra, and national aerospace stakeholders as preparations proceed.
Embraer noted that these industrial plans involve current expectations subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Key variables impacting final outcome include the decision on the Medium Transport Aircraft tender, execution of definitive agreements, and necessary governmental approvals.
